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Breed: Canadienne:
- The Canadienne is a black or dark brown color, often with a paler muzzle, sizes,
and belly.
- They are medium sized -- the average bull weighs about 1,800 pounds and the average cow
about 1,200.
- Bulls stand about 4 1/2 feet high at the withers, cows about 4 feet.
- They have dark skin pigment, black hooves, short horns, and short hair.
- Canadiennes have a straight face and a refined, stately appearance.
- Canadienne cattle were developed in Canada from animals imported from France (Normandy and
Brittany) during the 1600s and 1700s.
- Farmers followed no particular breeding program at that time, but allowed natural selection
to shape the breed.
- The Canadienne is well suited to the cold climate of Canada.
- Canadiennes can live well off of pasture rather than expensive grains.
- Canadienne cows are also known for their docility, fertility, longevity, and good milk production.
- The Canadienne Breed Society formed in 1886.
- The Canadienne began to be diluted from too much cross-breeding, but in the 1980's there was a
push to preserve the breed.
- Today Canadiennes are still rare and are primarily found in Quebec.
Sources:
A Field Guide to Cows, by John Pukite, Falcon Press, Helena, Montana, 1996, pp. 32-33.
and
OSU's Breeds of Livestock
-- Canadienne Cattle page.
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